Catholic penitents and priests alike are not used to hearing laughter while lined up for confession. The solemn setting of people seated or kneeling in a confession line waiting to confess their sins is typically marked by quiet reflection. Peering out of the confession booth one day, Fr Joseph Krupp saw that his broad-chested, 32 Read more
Over the past decade in Christian theological circles, there’s been an explosion of concern for nonhuman animals. Not many people keep up with theological trends, so no shame if you’ve missed this one. But the fact is, while much of theology is by its very nature rather abstract, this one is relatable: Large majorities of Read more
The search for a Covid-19 vaccine highlights a massive dilemma for many ethical investors; any vaccine will be tested on animals and so violate the rights of those animals as sentient beings. Ethical investors often don’t want to invest in companies that test on animals. But many of these same people (including me) will willingly Read more
A pair of alpacas have become unlikely stars in Massey Presbyterian Church’s annual Christmas Drive-Through. Casting the animal participants in live nativity scenes has always been a challenge in New Zealand, where there are no camels to accompany the wise men who made the trek to Bethlehem. But over the 16 years the Auckland event Read more
There are only three physical examples of God’s unconditional love for us here on Earth: the love from one’s mother, the love from one’s grandmother(s) and the love one receives from a very large dog. Read more
A stray dog stray has found a home in a Franciscan monastery. Carmelo, the schnauzer, is enjoying life now following his adoption by the brothers of the monastery of San Francisco, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Continue reading
Pope Francis has described priests who refuse to baptise the children of young single mothers as “animals”. Francis was speaking at a Q&A session near the end of a pastoral conference of Rome diocese on the family. Crux reported that Francis spoke of a “pastoral cruelty” at the Q&A. An example is priests who refuse Read more
People in need deserve more love from us than our pets do, Pope Francis has said. In off-the-cuff remarks on Saturday at St Peter’s Square, he said: “How often do we see people greatly attached to cats, to dogs”, but fail to “help their neighbour, their neighbour who is in need . . . This Read more
So the Pope says animals are going to heaven. Even though he is not a nonbeliever Clay Farris Naff finds it a charming concecpt. But he wonders if Pope Francis meant to include bacteria? Another week, another story about Pope Francis saying something a little weird and a little cool. News reports suggested that Francis Read more
The news networks are abuzz with stories saying that Pope Francis has said pets go to heaven. They’ve even “helpfully” noted how this contrasts with the position of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. But the thing is . . . the whole story is false. Here are 7 things to know and share . . . Read more